The VIVO Rio Pro in Saquarema, Brazil, concluded with thrilling victories and significant shifts in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour standings. Molly Picklum secured her first win of the season, claiming the women’s title and the yellow leader’s jersey. Cole Houshmand triumphed in the men’s division, marking a new era in the competition.
Picklum’s Dominant Performance
Molly Picklum, already the top-ranked surfer in the women’s WSL standings, solidified her position with a commanding win at the VIVO Rio Pro. Her performance in the final against local favorite Luana Silva was exceptional, highlighted by an 8.17-point wave, the highest single-wave score for women in the event. Her total score of 15.00 was also the highest for women at Praia de Itaúna.
- Picklum’s victory is her first of the season.
- She now carries the Yellow Leaders Jersey to the Corona J-Bay Open.
- This win underscores her consistency, having reached the quarterfinals in eight out of nine events this season.
Marks’ Strong Showing and Upsets
American surf icon Caroline Marks delivered a strong performance, reaching the semifinals after defeating Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb with a score of 12.16. Marks, a 23-year-old with a WSL World Title and Olympic Gold Medal to her name, continues to be a formidable competitor. The event also saw several upsets, with elite surfers like Gabriela Bryan, Caity Simmers, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, and Isabella Nichols facing early elimination.
Men’s Division Sees New Champion
In the men’s competition, American Cole Houshmand emerged victorious, ending a Brazilian reign at the VIVO Rio Pro. He defeated compatriot Griffin Colapinto in the final with a score of 16.90 to 14.40. The men’s draw also featured intense battles, including Ethan Ewing’s semifinal run and Miguel Pupo’s dramatic buzzer-beater over four-time winner Filipe Toledo.
Looking Ahead
The VIVO Rio Pro was the ninth stop on the 2025 Championship Tour. Surfers will now head to the Corona Cero Open J-Bay in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa, from July 11-20. With only two regular-season events remaining, the competition for the Final 5 spots is intensifying, promising more thrilling action as the tour approaches its climax.
Sources
- American Surf Icon Caroline Marks Reaches WSL VIVO Rio Pro Semifinals, Sports Illustrated.
- Australia’s Molly Picklum wins Rio Pro after claiming top spot on world rankings, Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- Final: Picklum marches towards maiden VIVO Rio Pro victory, first CT win of 2025, World Surf League.
- The Catch Up Day 2: Dramatics, excellence, and Saquarema’s electric energy set up Finals Day, World Surf League.
- Locked in: Caroline Marks chases another World Title, World Surf League.
